A/N: I finally got settled in after the move. I completely miscalculated how long it would take to actually get settled and now here I am posting a chapter a couple days before school starts. I really hope I come out with a new chapter soon but until I get used to classes I won't have time to write/post. I hope to have a chapter out by the end of September at the latest but if that doesn't happen it will most likely be sometime in October. I was also having major writers block with this chapter because of all the significant events that had to happen. Besides the fact, I hope everyone enjoys! (And for all our cupids out there, don't worry, Vader and Padmé will be reunited soon!)

Another thing, this is not edited!

Chapter 40: A Glimpse

A sudden rumble from the ship ripped Vader from his sleep. His eyes darted open as he shot up. Within the split second it took him to get on his feet, the ship wobbled like a bobber atop water. Unable to keep his footing he was hurled into the door. Spine slamming against metal he heard the intercom system, his commlink restless as it now resided on the floor beside the bed. Blinking the sleep from his eyes, he knew they were nearing the Red Honeycomb Zone. The passageway between the Galactic Barrier and the planets that resided beyond. Calling his gear with the Force, alarm patched together his drowsy thoughts in an instant. The commlink flew into his hand as he shoved in the earpiece.

"Lord Vader, we have entered an uncharted dust cloud and are currently on a course to exit within the next few minutes. However-" Piett was cut off as another massive impact racked the ship. Vader's eyes were bolted on the viewport, a colossal tentacle slamming against the transparisteel. Instantaneously, he ripped the device from his ear sprinting to the lift and within moments he was on the bridge.

"Dust cloud, huh?" Vader snarled as surveyed the outer deck of his ship, he peered up as the monster clambered against the hull above. It was impossible to see the beak of the dreadnaught the dust was so thick – an asteroid whirled past the viewport battering against the shields before ricocheting into the creature's tentacles. A resounding roar exploded from beyond, the summa-verminoth clambering to stay attached. Vader could sense its struggle, the creature stressed and clinging tight as the violent storm tore against the Executor's shields.

"My Lord I ran the scans just as you directed, but there was-" Piett assured him, the Sith shook head holding up his hand.

"Silence," the Sith snapped viciously, "We will discuss that when I get this beast off my fucking ship," he snarled, when the monster resituated, the entire dreadnaught waved violently to the left tossing everyone not bolstered to the ground. The Sith Lord remained standing, his annoyance ever growing. They were for all intents and purposes – blind. Their scans not functioning at optimal range, they did not have the luxury to allow such a parasite to remain adhered. He wasn't concerned about the small asteroids plummeting against the hull, the shields would hold out but if that beast decided to make the wrong move and augment their course into a planetoid - the ramifications of that were not ones he wanted to consider.

Vader's attention shifted to the schematics of the ship and to the scans of incoming debris on collision course. There was a thirty second window before anything stuck the lower hull. "Divert all power from the lower deflector shields towards the superior rear larboard side," he commanded as another quake rumbled through the vessel.

Diverting the power should've been able to give them enough energy to generate an electromagnetic pulse. It would loosen the creatures grip and the turbulence would take care of the rest. Within seconds the lights dimmed and suddenly all inconsequential power was cut from the bridge. Silence filled the chamber as a booming roar pierced from beyond the viewport.

"Equalize all shield power." Vader ordered. He glanced to the radar scanner as there was a sudden ripple through the ship, the lights flicking on as the creature was knocked from the upper decks. Within milliseconds of its detachment, the young lord's fingers swiped across the navigational plane, altering their course to the safest path out of the storm and towards the proper enclave. The Sith pressed his hands flat against the sides of the panel. This wasn't one of the best ways he'd ever woken up – but it also wasn't the worst.

A pant left Piett, "My Lord, I had to drop us out of hyperspace in order to cross through the zone. This storm had completely shrouded the channel's entrance – there was no other way."

"At ease, Admiral. I can read the record of the proceedings myself," He muttered.

"Yes, my Lord," Piett said with a bob of his head, taking a step back.

Vader gazed ahead, asteroids whirling passed the viewport, shattering against the shields. Within minutes, they ventured through the storm and out the other end - a vast emptiness before them. They'd reached the pass that crossed over to the unknown regions. There were very few known stars beyond them now. "We will be arriving above the atmosphere of Csilla within the next hour. Run a complete assessment to determine the damage received to our shields and hull. Have my fighter ready for departure the moment we are stationed," the Sith affirmed as he turned away from the viewport.

"It will be done, Lord Vader," the admiral replied promptly.

With that, Vader plopped in his seat, fingers rubbing his temples. Calling the holopad that had crashed to the floor into his grasp, he surveyed his best course towards the adjacent sector. It would take him a few hours to reach the coordinates that he last searched from Csilla. After he reached that location, he would utilize the wayfinder through the dense dust. The Sith rubbed his jaw. His fighter was more prepared for this mission than the last. The rupture of any thruster shouldn't occur as it had last time. It was a miracle that he'd made it to Csilla after what had happened, but he supposed it was the will of the Force.

Going against his former assessment of the situation, Vader had refused to send word to his master. The grizzly old man no doubt had an idea as to where he might be going. By this time, he would have received word that Death Squadron was stationed above Naboo while his apprentice's flagship was not. Vader could not risk speaking with him. If he was ordered to stand down and return – he would have to obey Sidious' authority. That would mean having to endeavor the trip at a later time. That was something Vader refused to let happen.

A gentle breeze brushed across the former senator's shoulders. A chill swept down her spine, the ominous autumn air churned her nerves. It never used to be that way. The changing in color and falling of the leaves used to be her favorite season on Naboo. The crisp air would leave her mesmerized by its revitalizing prosperities. Now, the brisk air brought her gloom. Nostalgia exchanged by wistfulness. The disintegrated, crumbled, dry leaves which tumbled left her weary.

Padmé descended the marble staircase, not blind to the stormtroopers that remained on guard… nor to the inquisitors that dwelled in the shadows. Her jaw clenched as she focused on keeping her shoulders back and the practiced smile perfect. Nervousness ate away at her innards. Even after two months of knowing this day would come, she was still nervous. She was unsure how he'd react.

Just as Vader had promised, he'd given her time away from him – had not heard from him nor anyone from the emperor's counsel in three months. It was as if she'd been thrown into a reality where Naboo was the only place she had to concern herself with. The first month was the same. Shopping, sightseeing, taking part in quality family time and… more shopping. By the end of the month, she knew it wasn't in her character to be such a way. It was only natural for her to ponder the future. Those thoughts inspired her to reach out to an old friend. One that she had done business with in the past. Both within and beyond the boundaries of the law.

With her brilliant visage never wavering she extended a hand, "Luthen." The name left her lips smoothly as his own manufactured smile played while he accepted her hand.

"My Lady it has been far too long," he mused, his head bowing.

Whenever they would do business Padmé was likely to send Dormé to pick up her purchases with information attached. Luthen had the ability to pull strings where most could not and during the formation of the rebellion his resources were coveted. To those in the Senate who were sympathetic towards a rebellion, feared outsiders. Even if Mon knew him like family, the risk of not grading his allegiance first was a risk they could not afford. And the easiest way to begin understanding that was initially through his legitimate business. He was an artifact dealer. The best and still was on all of Coruscant. She'd purchased numerous antiques from him many of which she still had back at Vader's establishments on the Coruscant.

"It has," she agreed. It had almost been a year since she had seen him, spoken with him face-to-face. Once whispers began that the emperor was muddling the idea of investigating senators, they restricted their number of meetings. However, that never deterred her from purchasing his prized artifacts when she could. Then after the whispers she was to marry Lord Vader – he'd severed ties regarding the rebellion completely as she assumed was discussed. "I'm assuming you brought the specimen?" She said cordially as they began their venture inside.

"Of course, however, I assumed your men would want to search my belongings. They can bring it in when finished," he replied, even if his tone was affable – there was a razor interwoven in his words.

"Saves you the struggle," she dryly laughed, knowing its weight would be substantial.

"When you approached me about such a specimen, I didn't quite understand your interest but, from the stone around your neck – I understand why it would be of significance," he noted. "Just by mere glancing at it, that small gem has a far higher clarity than what I have brought. If I had known you were privy, I would have spent more time searching for a higher purity," he uttered clearing his throat as they entered the front room of the mansion.

"You flatter me, I do not know much about such ore. This was a gift. All I figured was that one of a larger scale would be beautiful here," Padmé explained. The greeting room which bled out onto the terrace needed a focal point she figured.

Luthen's eyes scaled the room and as she watched his expression closely, his smile strained. "You have a beautiful home here, I am glad. Nothing is better than having an amazing residence on your home planet." Padmé glanced around, the sudden memory of broken glass and blood flashing before her eyes. It was reflex when she tugged at the collar of her dress, her gaze falling to one of the sofas which had been spared the day Vader had returned.

"It definitely captures the beauty Naboo has to offer," she supposed, taking a seat. Luthen claimed the couch across from her – her eyes lingering on the replaced sofa before they returned to his calculating gaze. "So, I was told genesis crystals are fairly rare… Care to share how you acquired it?"

"Considering your access to the monarch bank account, I utilized every avenue I could to acquire it. One of the many reasons why it comes with a steep price. I do not wish for you to be disappointed my Lady, but the specimen is not as large as you wished. No such stone exists from my thorough search."

"It was a hope, not a curtailment," Padmé assured, "When you returned my transmission indicating that you had found one sizable, I was more than delighted to see it in person." Padmé's attention was stolen as Njord and Sobek entered the room, standing at either side of the large archway – back at their stations. It was minimal but she saw Luthen's shoulders tighten. "Yet, that was not the only reason why I wished for you to make the journey here. I wished to discuss something of importance with you. We both share a mutual friend Thrano, the lord of Kuat. We used to be close during the days of the republic but since then our friendship stagnated, which, of course, I understand," she disclosed.

"He does not believe in the ideology of oppress- in the ideology of the Empire," Luthen corrected himself. Padmé eyed the servant droid as it brought them two goblets of wine. Accepting it and thanking the machine it rolled away. Padmé took a sip, the alcohol easing her muscles as she watched Luthen do the same.

"I am aware," Padmé smiled taught, placing her glass atop the caf table. "However, I do wish to speak with him even if only for a brief moment."

"You want me to set up a meeting for you? -Is that why I am truly here?" He muttered, following her actions, and setting down his glass.

"That is my ulterior reason, yes. I know you can get me a meeting with him." Padmé knew this to be true. She needed a meeting with the man. Kuat was the most prosperous planets to remain neutral. With an encompassing asteroid field guarding the sector, an invasion by the Empire was impossible. Though, it was known that they had ample natural resources, their inhabitants educated, and the ore mined there held intrinsic value. If she were able to negotiate a treaty with the promise of change within the structure of the Empire. It would generate a chain reaction. Other influential planets guarded by natural phenomena would no doubt follow.

"And you well know how apprehensive he is about meeting with Imperials," Luthen reasoned, "You are now a member of the monarch which I believe in his eyes is even more unfavorable. I don't see how you believe I could sway his thoughts about the matter."

"Like I trust your judgement… I know he must trust it as well. All I need is one meeting. Nothing more," Padmé assured. The man's gaze fell away from hers to the two inquisitors parked at either entrance to the room. Swiftly she understood his hesitation. "Sobek, Njord… take a walk, will you?" The woman smiled, her eyes sharp as glass. Within a second of the command, Njord turned.

"Sobek," the younger inquisitors voice demanded. The giant's orbs remained fixed upon her until he sharply turned to follow his comrade from the room. Once the hidden doors swept closed, the light in Luthen's eyes vanished.

"What makes you believe I would even want to help you?" He said through gritted teeth, "It is your fault that Mon is-"

"Just because they are no longer in the room does not mean they cannot hear," Padmé sniped cutting him off. "You're right. She's gone," the woman whispered rising from her seat. She grabbed her glass, her nails tapped against the chalice while her gaze remained trained on the horizon. "She is not the only one, the main forces of the rebellion are gone."

"There are too many things I wanted to say, do – I promised if I ever saw you again I would," Luthen growled through his teeth as he cut himself off. "You betrayed-"

"Vengefulness is unflattering on you, Luthen," Padmé muttered, taking another sip. "You will help me because you know damn well of where my loyalty lies. It's not withthe emperor."

"You're the reason the fleet is gone-"

Ire cut across her shoulders, "Am I?! Or are you?! - How could you have been so stupid to trust that kriffing jeweler with our manifests!" Padmé snarled in a whisper storming up to him, jabbing a finger in his face. "There was not a thing I could do once they broke him. You should have never trusted someone who had so much to lose!" Luthen's eyes widened. "So… you didn't know. Yes – that is how they found the base. If you can recall a damn thing correctly, I specifically did not want to know its location. I couldn't divulge it even if I was tortured. I never knew in the first place."

"Then what is your plan?" Luthen muttered, "You seem comfortable speaking about treason in the presence of Vader's men. Is there something you wish to share?"

"I am not comfortable with it, but they know my past-"

"Does your husband know I am here," he wondered, sitting up in his seat to fix his robes.

"No," Padmé whispered, taking her seat again. "None of that is the point. All I need is a meeting with Thrano. I have tried to send him transmissions-"

"None of them will go through if imperial code is detected."

"You're the only friend I have left Luthen. I need this… Please," Padmé pleaded. With a bow of her head, she placed it in the palms of her hands. "We need to fix all of this. I-I have a plan. Please just trust my judgement." Her eyes locked with his. "I have always been the mind, the voice, the courage. Bail and Mon knew that. I wish they were here… I wish I could have their counsel… but they aren't. I'm here. I have the diplomatic freedom, and Vader's confidence. You need to reach out to Thrano. You know if I speak to him a new hope can be created."

Luthen remained silent, his eyes falling away. "Bail might not be at the capital… but he's not gone," the man whispered. Padmé's heart skipped a beat, hope fluxed through her body as she sat up straight.

"He's alive?" She whispered; her voice barely carried.

The man nodded hesitantly, "He's safe for now… For how long – I don't know."

"Luthen we've been friends for years. You know who I am," Padmé hammered down, "You need to trust me. Set up the meeting… consult with Bail if you can," she breathed. "It may sound illogical but, there is promise in the future. In order to create that promise… I need this meeting Luthen."

"I will see what I can do," he murmured as the doors drew open and the genesis specimen was hauled into the vast room. The woman's breath ceased as she stared at the officers carrying the stone. Concealed by a cotton drape, she couldn't assess its beauty but the luminesce it contained poured from the fabric. Once situated on its pedestal, Luthen slipped away its shield and Padmé was left in awe as her gaze became absorbed. It was breathtaking, the colors morphing like an everlasting pallet. Padmé couldn't see the impurity that Luthen had described. It was almost a mirror image of what she wore but tenfold. It must have been a hundred pounds, four times -if not more- than any human skull. It was immaculate, the structure – the serenity of it had her transfixed for minutes.

"Is it to your liking, my Lady?" Luthen smiled, already knowing the answer.

"You're too humorous," Padmé whispered, standing from her seat. "This is absolutely stunning," she breathed, her palm pressing against the stone. Her heart almost shot out of her chest as the colors flowed to her hand.

"It is sensitive to heat," Luthen explained, "it latches to the warmth that is bestowed upon it. Thus, is why the gem around your neck is so vibrant."

Speechless, Padmé drew her hand away and the light diminished a fraction. The colors wavered, splashing around as if searching for another heat source. It almost made her sad – perhaps like kyber crystals, it was alive. It was searching for the comfort of warmth. "Pay the man," Padmé chuckled, taking her seat. The officer nodded as he bowed away to the next room.

"You told me that it was not as pure," she breathed her eyes still attached to the stone.

"It was not as vibrant when it was brought to me. I do not understand but, perhaps because of the vicinity with another stone of its nature – it is more comfortable with sharing itself," he whispered. Padmé stared down at her necklace, its luminance bending and moving in harmony with what lied beyond herself. "It is a travesty that I almost returned this specimen," Luthen whispered watching the colors sway. "When the miner had sent me a recording of what it looked like – it was just like this," he whispered, "Yet when I received it. It was nothing but a dull shell. It seems to need a companion for it to show its true nature."

A swallow pressed down Padmé's throat as she touched the stone again, marveled by its exclusivity. It was more than she could have ever wished for, "Thank you Luthen," she whispered, a genuine smile touching her features.

"Anything for a friend," he smiled, standing from his seat. "We will be in touch regarding the other matter we discussed. For now, I will take my leave. When you return to Coruscant, we should schedule a dinner. I am now looking forward to meeting Lord Vader in person," he nodded maneuvering towards the door. Suddenly, Padmé realized that Njord and Sobek had returned – ready to escort him out.

"That sounds wonderful, I look forward to seeing you then," Padmé said, bowing her head as she stood.

"It was a pleasuring doing business with you Lady Vader, I hope to see you again soon," he hummed as guards escorted him out. Collapsing on the sofa, Padmé stared at the vortex of color. Finding herself overwhelmed, she moved away towards the patio. Her shoes were the first to go as she sauntered towards the hot tub. Soon her feet were surrounded by warmth as she stepped in, moving her dress as she sat. She let her eyes roll and shut, the soothing feeling dulling her mind to anxiety as she rested back on her palms.

"The rock was to your liking then, Lady Vader?" She heard Njord wonder from afar, his deep voice ruminating her thoughts.

"I wouldn't have spent a small fortune if I didn't think so Njord," Padmé sighed as she rested her head back.

"I was wondering," the inquisitor said quietly, his voice closer. "Have you heard from Lord Vader?"
"I have not," the woman murmured, her eyes drawing open to stare at her toes. "Believe me if I knew something I wouldn't hide it. I'm sure I want him to come back as much as you."

She heard the inquisitor shift, "Lord Vader would not have approved of that man coming here."

Padmé rolled her eyes as she sighed laying back on the granite floor, not giving a damn about the dress she had donned. "You and Vader need to understand that if you want something done you need to be willing to compromise," Padmé explained. "You and I have spoken a great deal over these past months. I know you do not support the emperor," the former queen assured. "Let me do what I need. I already spoke to Vader about this before my departure. Believe me when I say that he will benefit more than anyone if I am able to speak with the Lord of Kuat."

"He's a warlord, my lady. What benefit could he grant Lord Vader?" Njord argued as he now stood beside her head.

"Think about it very carefully Njord," Padmé muttered, "Think very carefully of what he has to give us." There was silence for a few moments, she could practically hear the gears grinding in the inquisitor's brain.

"Do you miss them?" Njord asked, the sudden question catching Padmé so off guard that she rose to gaze down at her toes in the water.

"Miss Vader?" Padmé clarified, her eyes darting back to him – only seeing a fraction of his boots.

"Long to see Vader and Eryx, my Lady," Njord said carefully, resistantly.

The woman rolled her eyes, "I can only analyze this question in a way of projection. Do you miss them Njord?"

"That is not the only way you could analyze it. I asked you a definitive question."

"If I prefer not to answer?"

"I cannot force you to answer. Though, we have spoken enough where I would hope you'd trust me with a response."

A sigh left her as she raked a hand through her curls, "I do trust you Njord. I do miss both of them. However, something tells me that you believe I miss them for differing reasons," she illuminated.

"I know of-"

"Don't finish that," Padmé scoffed tearing her feet from the water. "I really never want to discuss that. I don't care if you know, just don't speak with me about it. We don't know each other that well." Dragging herself back into the house Njord followed her in.

"I just don't understand it. That is all," he explained falling in tow as she ventured toward the kitchen.

"Good for you, you're in the same boat as I am," she dryly laughed pouring herself another glass of wine. She watched the inquisitor inch back, his brows furrow.

"It was never explained?"

"Holy kriff Njord, please drop the topic," Padmé groaned as she took a gulp of wine. "Hells if I had known it would cause this much of a spectacle I would have never agreed-"

"Agreed?" he gaped and Padmé eyes shot up to him.

"Everything is clear, and the vender has departed," Sobek announced, barging into the conversation. The woman's eyes darted to him as did Njord's. "Having another conversation without me it seems," the gigantic man sneered as he returned to his post.

Padmé groaned as she planted her forehead against the counter. It was like dealing with her nieces all over again. The dynamic was not unusual between the three of them, Sobek more detached than Njord. She had tried to have conversations with the man, but he was wound tighter than a new boot. It was impossible to break his training. Dealing with her nieces was one thing. They were always arguing about when they could use the pool or when the next outing to the zoo would be, but this was different. There was a distinct rift between the three of them. One that Padmé felt needed to be dealt with before Vader's eventual return.

"I was waiting for you to join Sobek, perhaps you can save me from Njord's interrogation," Padmé moaned as she dumped more wine into the glass. With the cherry liquid reaching the top, she stopped and slammed the bottle on top the counter.

"We were only discussing what occurred before the wedding Sobek, you didn't miss much," Njord explained. Padmé could have died right there, and it would have saved her the embarrassment but all she did was take a large gulp of wine.

"I suppose I came at the best time then," he ruminated, a smirk edging at the corner of his lips. Holy hells. Why couldn't they leave her alone?

"Like you, I have no kriffing clue what happened. I wasn't of clear mind. Ask Vader or Eryx if you are so intent on knowing." A beat, "So, am I allowed to live in my own house? I would much prefer to watch a holodrama than entertain this line of questioning," she snarked, trudging towards the sitting room.

"Come on my lady, you must know something," Njord uttered, both inquisitors following her movements until she thumped down on the sofa to flip on the holoscreen.

"What do you want to hear Njord?" Padmé sniped, her chocolate eyes furious as they stared back into the pair hazel. "You want to hear the details? Well- hate to break it to you but, Iam not about to share. So, get out of my grill and go be statues and cease speaking with me. I am done with this." The two men exchanged glances before Njord shifted in his boots.

"I guess our real question is why do you find Eryx more commendable?" Njord asked point-blank as the holo played in the background.

"I don't," Padmé bit back defensively. "I mean he hates me," she cried gesturing to Sobek, "and you," she huffed at Njord, "I barely had even spoken two words to you. I mean, I don't know what you both want me to say. Ask you mentor about this privation – it's not my job to educate you on your pecking order." Both the inquisitors frowned, their eyes falling to their boots. Padmé relaxed as she commended herself for deescalating the situation. That was until Njord went to speak again.

"You were closer to Eryx. That much is true. He was always the one in charge of you. Vader had given him that role. We just can't understand why he took him away – why he would allow us to guard you in his place if he knew Eryx would guard you even if it were against the emperor's wishes."

"Perhaps circumstances changed that you are not privy to," she huffed, utilizing Luthen's dictation as she recalled the familiar word that she had since forgotten. "Once again, these are not questions for me. To be fair, even with all that has happened, I would have been much more comfortable in Eryx's care. I trust him. Even with everything," her words fell off into a whisper as her attention went to the holoscreen. "But Vader needed him. So, who am I to question that?"

There was a pause before her reticule. "I can only assume you lost your hand on Athiss, the only reason why that could have happened to someone like yourself is if someone more powerful had defeated you," she scoffed to Sobek. "I mean I can't even bring myself to hardly speak ten words to you because I fear your heart isn't in the right place for what the future holds. Blind as a bat and as power as a dying star – you need to figure out where you hold your loyalty. And Njord, sometimes I view you as a stray luftgriff following the pack and going with the flow. You need to have your own brain and think. If I'm out of line -say so- but, if I'm not, think to yourselves about where you'd like to be in several years. Where you are now or more? Vader cannot choose that for you, only you can." Padmé panted as she finished her spiel, hoping it was enough to crack their skulls open so their minds could analyze the true decision that resided before them. Eventually, they would have to decide between Palpatine and Vader. Then, depending on what Vader learned during his extended absence it would change of the course of their lives forever. Even potentially ending it.

Both of them stood still, their eyes lingering beyond her upon something imperceptible. Within a few minutes, it was Sobek that turned to trudge away – her only rational was that he was storming back to his quarters. As for Njord he stood then his eyes suddenly fell upon her. "The future?" He said quietly. "A future without him," he murmured, "So it is possible. To be rid of him." Padmé didn't dare say a word, her silence speaking louder than any words could. "The Lord has a plan then. A plan for the world beyond... A plan for all of us," he continued.

"I need to speak with the warlord of Kuat," Padmé announced clearly, "That alliance would be more useful than any other."

Njord's eyes narrowed, "That would be for the rebellion-"

"No. It would be to rid the galaxy of Palpatine."

Vader awoke to thunder, the crash of lightning so close that when he jostled awake his saber was already ignited. He settled his breathing. Deep within a cave, he swiftly recalled the storm that resided beyond the opening. Another day in the darkness. His skin had paled, his amber eyes sunken. He had no other identifier, besides his skin, on how long he'd spent in search for the Force adjunct that summoned him. Snuffing his saber, he rubbed a hand down his face – the growth of his stubble, noted. He'd been in the depths of this world for too long. He was losing his mind. Losing focus. When he had landed, it all seemed too easy. The path before him clear until it all morphed into an illusion. Stranded with only the rations he'd brought with him; he'd lost muscle mass. It was stagging to see how he was now compared to the way in which he'd arrived. It was as if the planet was meant to starve him. Break him down to his most vulnerable state.

Taking the combat knife from his belt, he etched another mark into his skin. It had been three months since he landed. He'd now gone too far into the unknown to find his fighter. There was no option but to move forward. He needed to find the sensation calling him. With his mental and physical states deteriorating, the mission had grown strenuous. Sometimes it seemed like the Force was calling him in many directions and it was up to him, his own mind to determine which way to follow. He had tirelessly endeavored to connect with the darkness that resided on the world, but it deflected his outreach.

Lugging himself from the ground, Vader made his way into the storm. It rarely rained. Other than that, only lightning and thunder shrouded the world. He collected what he could. Gathering the condensation within the metal bin he placed, he sipped upon the morsels. While he saved the rest for his journey. Starting into his canteen, he knew it would last him the next several hours – but he'd need more before he ventured into sleep again. Dragging his tired body along the barren wasteland, he strode into the darkness that only a Sith's eyes could see through.

Hours had passed since he left the cave, his body pleading with him to take a rest but his instincts imploring him to keep moving. He felt blind, his motor movements working off of feeling as his eyes shut to sleep as he moved. Hands reaching out, he struggled to make way through the labyrinth of rock. That was until something struck him violently. A wave of energy crushing against him so vehemently that it snapped his eyes open only to see lightning flooding towards him. He never had time to reach for his saber. The deadly bolt would hit him head on- killing him instantly. Yet it didn't. Vader's heart wavered as it speared towards him only to get sucked into the vortex of the Force radiating off him. It snapped and crackled, driving into the ground beneath his feet as his eyes remained fixed on where it had emerged.

The Sith Lord blinked, assuring that his eyes were not deceiving him. A temple resided before him, the entrance dark and void. Even if his feet wished to stop, he pressed on. It was all he could do to ascend the stairs with dignity- remaining on his two feet. Vader staggered into the darkness where not even his trained eyes could help him see. It was pitch black and suddenly he was enveloped by it. His breath hastened while his gaze darted around only to see nothing. It was only emptiness. His feet gave out as he crumbled to his knees. Reaching out with the Force, he felt it – the presence guiding him speaking clearly.

"Anakin," he heard a women's voice speak, "Why do you have to worry me so? You know how much I hate it," his mother's voice echoed through his ears. Vader's eyes rolled back into his head, his hands resting upon his thighs. The Sith could sense the fraudulence, his ears knocking out the sound.

"D-don't touch me," A familiar voice garbled in his mind, "Y-you can't do this… 'please save me!'" Padmé's voice cried through his mind and suddenly it was as if the sun had been ignited before him – his entire body being thrown back to slam against the wall of the temple. His eyes peeled open. "Get off of me," a slur left her, his eyes fixed upon his wife's naked body upon a slab with Sidious looming.

"You are mine. You have always been such," his body tensed before it started thrashing as the vermin's hand stroked up her thigh, the apprentice's entire body fumed as he tried to break away from the gravity seizing him. Tears bled down his cheeks as he was forced to watch has a wrinkled had sashayed towards her swollen abdomen. "You believed he could save you? He is nothing but a pawn. What lies within you," he hummed shoving his fingers inside her greedily, "What lies inside you is worth more than the entire galaxy."

Vader felt his entire body enflame, every cell in him awaken. All of him was poised before he ruptured from the shackles. It was as if he'd burst into the room - he ignited his saber as he did, cutting down his master only to cut through paper. Suddenly, the room around him came into focus. It was empty, only him and the humming saber by his side present.

Vader was panting, dripping in sweat as his eyes darted from corner to corner. Disengaging his saber, he once again fell to his knees. What he'd seen scared him. Scared him to the core more than any war or duel ever could. Thoughts churned in his mind; his brain consumed with the future that was presented. A shadow formed within the corner of the temple, with the Sith's senses on high alert he lit his lightsaber.

"What did you hope to see?" The shadow spoke. Definite lines solidified as the mask appeared before him once again. "Is this what you wanted to see? Her future? Or was your desire to see your own?"

A sharp splinter of pain shot through Vader's mind, his entire vision running blurry as his saber dropped from his grasp. Armor, heavy armor cloaked him, yet his sight remained pure as another wave of foresight solidified. A sobbing beside him captured his ears while his vision flicked to the side. "What have you done?!" The Senator cried, limp in his inquisitors grasp. "You bastard! Don't you even dare go near them!" Vader shifted his shoulders, hindered by the weight of armor as his attention drew to the nameless carcass that lied before him.

"You cannot deny who you are for anyone," the shadow spoke from beyond the corpse. "She will understand that this is your future. The only power you can gather here is the knowledge that you can succeed."

The setting was torn away and once again he was tossed to his knees as he panted, the disturbance dissipating as his fingers slipped across the hilt of his saber. Clutching the hilt, Vader twisted it within his hand. The manifestations he saw send tremors down his spine. His own power gave him the foresight to see what would happen if he failed to destroy his master. Not what would come if he succeeded or how. Vader inched back; his body felt rejuvenated as his sense of direction retuned. However, his mind was one of unease. Both of them would go through a tremendous amount of pain, suffering. By the end of it all she would hate him. She would go through more pain than he could fathom. As he collected his weakened body, he wanted to assure himself that he could change that future. However, a small part of him knew that piece was certain and there was nothing in his power to change it.